Spain advanced to the World Cup final with a 2-0 victory over France in Dallas, ending the European champions’ hopes for a third consecutive final under coach Didier Deschamps. The win extended Spain’s unbeaten streak to 37 matches, tying a national record.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 22nd minute by converting a penalty awarded after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal inside the box. This marked Oyarzabal’s fifth goal of the tournament. Pedro Porro secured the victory in the second half, finishing a slick passing move to beat French goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
France began the match with some attacking intent, with forward Bradley Barcola, who was selected ahead of Desire Doue, making an early impact down the left flank. However, the French side’s key players, including Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise, struggled to influence the game effectively, allowing Spain to dominate much of the match.
France was further hampered shortly before halftime when central defender William Saliba, dealing with a back issue, was forced off and replaced by Maxence Lacroix. Despite a late first-half shot from Barcola, the French could not find a way past Spain’s organized defense or unsteady the Spanish momentum.
Spain maintained control after the break, denying France the space and time needed to build sustained attacks. The Spanish attack continued to challenge the French back line, with Yamal causing repeated problems for Digne. In response, Deschamps substituted Barcola for Doue early in the second half but his side remained unable to break down Spain’s defense.
Spain doubled their lead within moments of the substitution, when Porro combined with Dani Olmo before calmly lifting the ball over Maignan. France created few clear chances thereafter, with a notable save required from Marc Cucurella to help goalkeeper Unai Simon deny an Mbappe attempt in the 67th minute. Late in the match, substitute Ferran Torres headed over the bar as Spain controlled the closing stages.
The victory confirms Spain’s place in the final, where they will seek to claim the title following a dominant and disciplined performance over the reigning champions. France’s 14-year run of reaching the World Cup final under Didier Deschamps came to an end in disappointment as they could not overcome Spain’s clinical efficiency.